Oak processionary caterpillars

The oak processionary caterpillar is a caterpillar that lives in some oak trees. It appears mainly from April to August. You can recognise trees with the oak processionary caterpillar by the thin white threads around the branches and the trunk.

The caterpillars have stinging hairs. These are small hairs that you cannot see. Contact with the hairs can cause itching, bumps and red spots. The hairs also irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

• Do not touch the caterpillar.
• If you are going to the forest,wear clothes that cover your body. 
• Stay away from trees with caterpillars, as the stinging hairs sometimes blow out of old nests.